Review: Netflix's The Royals – A Lighthearted Look At Palace Life

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.5

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Review: Netflix's The Royals – A Lighthearted Look at Palace Life, But Does It Reign Supreme?

Netflix's The Royals, a soapy drama that aired from 2015 to 2018, offered a fantastical, often hilarious, take on the lives of a fictional British royal family. While it might not have achieved the critical acclaim of The Crown, its unique blend of melodrama, humor, and surprisingly relatable characters carved out a niche for itself. But does it still hold up today? Let's delve into a review of this guilty pleasure.

A Modern Take on Monarchy: Unlike the more historically accurate (and somber) The Crown, The Royals embraced a heightened reality. The show's premise centered around the opulent and often chaotic lives of the King, Queen, and their three children: the rebellious Prince Liam, the ambitious Princess Eleanor, and the enigmatic Prince Robert. This allowed for storylines that were less concerned with historical accuracy and more focused on delivering juicy drama and comedic moments. Think Gossip Girl meets the British monarchy.

Characters You Love to Hate (and Sometimes Love): The success of The Royals largely hinges on its cast of compelling characters, each brimming with flaws and secrets. Elizabeth Hurley's portrayal of Queen Helena was particularly memorable, a commanding and fiercely independent matriarch struggling to maintain control amidst familial turmoil. Similarly, the performances of William Moseley as Liam and Alexandra Park as Eleanor brought a youthful energy and undeniable chemistry to the screen. Their complex relationships, both romantic and familial, formed the backbone of many of the show's most captivating plots.

More Than Just Royal Intrigue: While palace intrigue, scandalous affairs, and power struggles certainly played a central role, The Royals also explored themes of family, loyalty, and the burden of legacy. The show tackled these issues with a surprising level of emotional depth, often juxtaposing the glamorous façade of royal life with the very human struggles beneath the surface.

Why It's Worth a Watch (Even Now):

• Escapist Entertainment: In today's often stressful world, The Royals offers a fun and escapist viewing experience. Its over-the-top storylines and dramatic twists are a welcome distraction.
• Relatable Characters: Despite their privileged status, the characters in The Royals grapple with relatable problems: love, loss, betrayal, and the search for identity.
• Fashion and Glamour: The show boasts stunning costumes and sets, offering a glimpse into a world of luxury and extravagance.

Where It Falls Short:

• Predictable Plotlines: While initially engaging, the show's reliance on familiar soap opera tropes can become predictable after a few seasons.
• Uneven Pacing: The pacing can feel uneven at times, with some storylines dragging while others feel rushed.

Final Verdict: The Royals isn't high art, but it's undeniably entertaining. If you're looking for a lighthearted, slightly cheesy, and often hilarious take on royal life, this Netflix series is worth adding to your watchlist. It's a guilty pleasure that delivers on its promise of drama, romance, and a generous dose of escapism. Just don't expect historical accuracy. Instead, prepare for a fun, soapy ride filled with captivating characters and plenty of unexpected twists.

What are your thoughts on The Royals? Share your opinions in the comments below!